Northland Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy- Northlandofm

11/12/2025

Fun Friday Fact! 13 sleeps to Christmas, and Santa is getting his razzle dazzle on. Just remember that you need to think of the health of the mouths too. So, add the toothbrushes and floss to the Christmas stockings along with those sweet treats, as I do. Isn't Santa looking flash? 😂😍

10/12/2025

Okayyyyy. That is interesting. And I bet you are all thinking of that body reaction when you pop one of these.

New research shows that sour candy can help calm the mind during a panic attack by offering a strong sensory distraction. When anxiety peaks, the intense taste and sensation of sour flavors can capture the brain’s attention, giving the mind something immediate and tangible to focus on.

Panic attacks often involve racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of losing control. By introducing a sharp, sour taste, the brain is momentarily redirected from fear to sensation, helping to interrupt the feedback loop of anxiety. This simple intervention engages multiple senses, taste, touch, and even smell, providing a grounding effect that can reduce the intensity of the episode.

Therapists and researchers note that sour candy is not a cure, but it can serve as an accessible, non-invasive tool for managing acute moments of panic. Combining it with deep breathing, mindfulness, or other coping strategies may enhance its effectiveness.

The discovery highlights how everyday items can have powerful impacts on mental health. Something as simple as a piece of candy can provide relief when panic strikes, demonstrating the remarkable ways our senses can be used to regain control over the mind.

10/12/2025

Yes! Singing is great for the muscles, the heart and the mind, even if you sound like a clowder of cats like me 😂

From boosting the brain to reducing pain, joining others in song can bring some wide-ranging benefits.

09/12/2025

Although it is summer in Australasia and this is a British article, it is pertinent because I often get a cold when I have time off over Christmas. My firm favourites, which include nasal rinsing several times a day and Harker's Herbals. What are yours?

What's the best way to deal with a cough and is lemon and honey as effective as medicine?

07/12/2025

Nasal hygiene is extremely important, in fact, could be considered more essential than oral hygiene, but what do you do every day to clean out your nose? This little lad is 4 and loves nothing more than big boogers making an exit 😂

04/12/2025

Frightening Friday Fact! Today is Krampusnacht. And what is that I hear you say, unless you are German, of course. It is a centuries-old tradition of scaring children into behaving for Christmas. I dare you to start this little tradition and see how long it takes for you to need therapy for your kids.... 😂😂 Looks like he needs a bit of myofunctional therapy on those face muscles

04/12/2025

Be very mindful of who you see for teeth whitening. If they are non-dental, question their training and licensing; do they have indemnity insurance? What is the complaint procedure if something goes wrong? As well as the contents of the bleaching treatment. In other words, Buyer Beware.

A BBC investigation finds kits on sale containing more than 500 times the legal limit of bleach.

02/12/2025

I had to share this because the nose is the 'upstairs' to the mouth and closely linked to my work in rehabilitation. My apologies if there is any blue language 🙃

02/12/2025

Oral cancer is potentially one that can be detected quickly, but often isn't. This oral surgeon's story should be a push to check the mouth more carefully

Neil Shah shares his unique insight from surviving the very cancer he is trained to operate on.

30/11/2025

Familiar? Not only is the dummy preventing the teeth from fully erupting, but it is also training the tongue to rest on the floor of the mouth, not the palate... Give me a call if this is you or your child

Consequences of prolonged pacifier use by infants.

27/11/2025

Frightening Friday Fact! Monday is the big day, folks. The first day of Summer. The first day of Santa tracking. We are counting down to the big day! So for those with worries, as long as your teeth are okay, you should be ok for the sweet treats and hard nuts in your stocking, and your mouth muscles are flexed for all the kissing under the mistletoe, the rest is eeeeeeeasy. 🤣

27/11/2025

Ever heard of lip-ties? Did you know they might be affecting how your baby feeds? Read through this page by Le Leche League and see if it helps and informs you.

Image source: United States Breastfeeding Committee Are you experiencing pain while breastfeeding, possibly combined with slow weight gain for your baby?